Deuteronomy 27

Deuteronomy 27:1

R. Curses and Blessings (Chaps. 27, 28)27:1-8 After they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Israelites were to raise up a large monument of stones, whitewash it, and write all the words of the law on it. This monument was to be erected on Mount Ebal, together with an altar which was to be made with uncut stones. 27:9, 10 The Jews had been God’s people by His choice for some time, but now that they were about to enter the land, they became His people in a special sense. The favor He was showing to them called for loving obedience on their part. 27:11-13 Six tribes were appointed to stand on Mount Gerizim in order to “Amen” the blessings. These six tribes were descendants of Leah and Rachel. The other tribes were to stand on Mount Ebal to confirm the curses. Notice that Ephraim and Manasseh aren’t mentioned separately, but instead the tribe of Joseph is listed. Reuben, Israel’s firstborn (who lost his birthright), and Zebulun, Leah’s youngest, were on Mount Ebal with the sons of the handmaids. The favored tribes were on Mount Gerizim. 27:14-26 The Levites (see v. 9) were to stand in the valley between the two mountains. As they pronounced the curses or blessings, the people were to answer “Amen!” The curses are given in verses 15-26. They have to do with idolatry; disrespect of parents (v. 16); dishonesty in removing boundary lines (v. 17); deceiving the blind (v. 18); taking advantage of the poor and defenseless (v. 19); various forms of incest (vv. 20, 22, 23); bestiality (v. 21); secret murder of one’s neighbor; murder of the innocent for a bribe (v. 25); and disobedience to the law of God (v. 26). The historical account of this ceremony can be found in Jos_8:30 and following. Notice how closely Joshua follows the instructions given by Moses. It is significant that only the curses are given in Chapter 27. It could not be otherwise because, as Paul reminds us, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse” (Gal_3:10). It was not merely that the Israelites would transgress the law, but that they were under the law as a principle.